Yay to math tallks! Also, I think it’s really important that we are intentional about what numbers we give students for mental math. Jason Zimba once said, “Think of mental calculation as being the best approach only in cases where a readily apparent mental strategy is probably both faster and more reliable than the standard vertical written algorithm.”

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I love that you shared this. Some of these ways would never have occurred to me. I am fascinated by them. Sometimes I’ll ask my husband to do a math problem and then tell me how he did it. He’ll look at me like I’m crazy but do it and then be surprised that I didn’t work the problem the same way he did. I add the numbers on license plates and my youngest daughter will too now. Then she’ll ask me how I did it. I love talking to her about the ways we added. If my students are even a quarter as excited by these talks as I am we’re in good shape!

I hope you share with your students the math talks you have with your husband and your daughter. Students pick up on our passion, that we find joy in doing maths outside of the classroom. I really like the adding of numbers on license plates — fun! Thank you for sharing, Jenny.